By Craig Meyer/DFP Staff
Heading into its last game of the season against University of Vermont, it would have been very easy and even borderline understandable for the Boston University men’s basketball team to fold.
The Terriers were playing against the top team in the America East Conference in one of the conference’s most hostile road environments, a place in which BU had not won since Feb. 2008. On top of all that, the team was without its top scorer in senior forward John Holland, who was sidelined nursing an injured left ankle.
Yet none of those obstacles seemed to matter for BU as it worked back from a nine-point second half deficit to knock off Vermont 66-64 in overtime on Sunday.
Junior guard Darryl Partin posted a game-high 23 points on 8-of-20 shooting in Holland’s absence.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
UPDATE 2/25: Holland injures ankle in win over Binghamton; remains "day-to-day"
By Craig Meyer/DFP Staff
Boston University men's basketball senior forward John Holland injured his left ankle in the Terriers' 53-51 win over Binghamton University Thursday night in Vestal, N.Y.
The injury occurred late in the first half with BU holding a lead, and Holland had to be helped off of the court. Although he did walk on his own will to the team's locker room, he was on crutches after the game.
The severity of the injury was described as "day-to-day," and it will likely keep him out of BU's game at the University of Vermont on Sunday (an effectively moot game between two teams that have already clinched the top two seeds for the conference tournament), though he is expected to be back for the Terriers' first game of the America East Conference Tournament on March 5, according to a team official.
The preseason all-America East selection currently leads the AE in scoring at 19.2 points per game, along with 5.7 rebounds per game.
Boston University men's basketball senior forward John Holland injured his left ankle in the Terriers' 53-51 win over Binghamton University Thursday night in Vestal, N.Y.
The injury occurred late in the first half with BU holding a lead, and Holland had to be helped off of the court. Although he did walk on his own will to the team's locker room, he was on crutches after the game.
The severity of the injury was described as "day-to-day," and it will likely keep him out of BU's game at the University of Vermont on Sunday (an effectively moot game between two teams that have already clinched the top two seeds for the conference tournament), though he is expected to be back for the Terriers' first game of the America East Conference Tournament on March 5, according to a team official.
The preseason all-America East selection currently leads the AE in scoring at 19.2 points per game, along with 5.7 rebounds per game.
Breaking down the AE tournament: Where BU stands as of 2/25
By Luke Coughlan/DFP Staff
After nearly four months of men's college basketball, the 2010-2011 America East regular season is down to one final day of games. On Saturday, eight of the nine teams that make up AE will face off in a final push before the post season. Despite the fact that no two teams adjacent to one another in the AE rankings are more than two games apart, there are only a select few teams that can overcome other teams in the rankings before the season is over. So, without further ado, here is a look at each team heading into the final day of games in the regular season, and an update on the projected AE tournament.
Once again, a quick overview of the America East Tournament's set up:
Quarterfinals
No. 1 seed vs. winner of play-in game between No. 8 & No. 9 seeds
No. 2 seed vs. No. 7 seed
No. 3 seed vs. No. 6 seed
No. 4 seed vs. No. 5 seed
Semifinals
1/PIG winner vs. 4/5 winner
2/7 winner vs. 3/6 winner
Finals
The championship game will be held at the home court of the higher seed. The quarter and semifinals will be held at Chase Family Arena in West Hartford, Conn.
No. 1 University of Vermont
Conference Record: 13-2
Remaining Games: vs. BU
Seed and first-round opponent if season ended today: CLINCHED No. 1 vs. winner of play-in game between No. 8 Binghamton and No. 9 UMBC
Vermont will continue to enjoy the no. 1 seed that they clinched in Orono on February 16 heading into their final contest against Boston University on Saturday. While the game will not influence tournament seeding, Vermont will be looking to bounce back from their first loss since January 18 in the BracketBusters by taking on the second-best team in the conference in what could very well be a preview of the AE tournament championship game. Look for UVM to come out strong to try and build some momentum heading into their quarterfinal match-up against one of the cellar-dwellers, Binghamton or UMBC.
No. 2 Boston University
Conference Record: 11-4
Remaining Games: at Vermont
Seed and first-round opponent if season ended today: CLINCHED No. 2 vs. No. 7 Hartford
The good news for the Terriers: there is no more speculation as to whether they will be overtaken for the third seed by the University of Maine. The bad news: there is no more John Holland.
For the time being, that is.
Holland left Thursday's game with a sprained ankle late in the first half and there is no clear time table for his return. BU put the second seed out of reach of Maine with a 53-51 win over Binghamton University, finishing off the effort without their star senior. While most BU fans probably would have given up the second seed to have a healthy Holland heading into the post season, the Terriers will simply have to await an announcement on the injury and prepare for a tough match-up against Vermont in Burlington.
BU is guaranteed home court advantage in the AE championship game should they advance unless UVM advances to the final as well, in which case the game will be played in Burlington, just like last season. The Terriers' opponent in the first round of the AE tournament is still, as of now, the University of Hartford, but Hartford is one of the few teams that can swap places for a higher seed on Saturday. More on that later.
No. 3 University of Maine
Conference Record: 9-6
Remaining Conference Games: vs. Albany
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: CLINCHED No. 3 vs. No. 6 New Hampshire
Although the Black Bears will be unable to catch BU for the No. 2 seed, they can also rest easy knowing that they will not be bumped below third. Even though they play Albany on Saturday and a loss would even their records at 9-7, Albany still loses the tie-breaker. The first statistic used to break a tie is head to head record. If Albany wins on Saturday, that record will be knotted at 1-1 for both teams. From there, the seeding would be determined based on record against the top seeded team in the conference working its way down to the bottom in the case of more ties. Maine wins that tie-breaker by virtue of their 1-1 record against UVM compared to Albany's 0-2 clip, meaning that Maine is locked in at No. 3.
Maine's first opponent in the tournament would be UNH if the season ended today, but Saturday could shift seeding.
No. 4 University of Albany
Conference Record: 8-7
Remaining Conference Games: at Maine
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: CLINCHED No. 4 vs. No. 5 Stony Brook University
Albany finds itself with the potential for a tie with another team both if they win or if they lose in Orono on Saturday, but either way, they are locked in at no. 4. As explained above, a win over Maine gives them a 9-7 tie in conference play with the Black Bears, but they lose the tie breaker because of Maine's win over UVM. A loss and an SBU win, however, puts them in a tie with the Seawolves at 8-8. The Great Danes win that tie breaker, however, because of a season sweep of the Seawolves. Ironically, there is virtually no difference between the fourth and fifth seed in the AE tournament as all quarterfinal and semifinal rounds are played in Hartford, and no. 4 and no. 5 play each other in the first round.
No. 5 Stony Brook University
Conference Record: 7-8
Remaining Conference Games: vs. Binghamton
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: CLINCHED No. 5 vs. No. 4 Albany
Similar to Albany, SBU can wind up in a tie with the team above them with a win and some help on Saturday, or a tie with the the two teams below them with a loss and some help on Saturday.
Ultimately, those possibilities for ties don't mean a thing, as the Seawolves are locked into the No. 5 seed and will be playing Albany in the first round of the AE tournament. As detailed above, a tie with Albany results in a loss, and a tie with UNH or Hartford (both of which are possible, by the way) both would result in tie breaker wins for the Seawolves because of their season sweeps of the Wildcats and the Hawks. (This time of year, nail-biting-overtime wins like SBU's January 15 64-60 win over UNH and February 24 79-73 win over Hartford come in handy when it comes to breaking ties).
While the Seawolves dodge a bullet in not having to face BU or Maine until the final round and in drawing a close match-up against Albany, they still find themselves on the same side of the bracket as UVM, and may have to take on the Catamounts in the semifinals in Hartford (a job that may be easier than facing them in the championship game in Burlington).
No. 6 University of New Hampshire
Conference Record: 6-9
Remaining Conference Games: at Hartford
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: No. 6 vs. No. 3 Maine
No. 7 University of Hartford
Conference Record: 6-9
Remaining Conference Games: vs. UNH
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: No. 7 vs. No. 2 BU
The Universities of New Hampshire and Hartford provide one of two possibilities for seeding swaps heading into the final game of the season. The teams are tied with a 6-9 record and will be playing head to head on Saturday for, essentially, the right to play Maine over BU in the first round of the AE tournament. As it turns out, UNH and Hartford have performed admirably against Maine and BU in the regular season, posting a 4-4 combined record against the two teams, but it is likely that they will both be vying for the six seed as BU has been on a tear of late compared to the Black Bears' struggles recently (then again, if you take John Holland out of the equation, everything goes topsy-turvy).
This game may be more important for the Terriers and Terrier fans than BU's own match-up on Saturday as it decides the quarterfinals seeding once and for all. The good news for the Terriers: they are guaranteed a quarterfinals opponent playing with at least a two-game losing streak.
No. 8 Binghamton University
Conference Record: 4-11
Remaining Conference Games: at Stony Brook
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: No. 8 vs. No. 9 UMBC for play-in game
No. 9 University of Maryland-Baltimore County
Conference Record: 4-12
Remaining Conference Games: None
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: No. 9 vs. No. 8 Binghamton in play-in game
The other chance at seed swapping that could result from Saturday's games is between these two teams. UMBC is out of games and will be the only team not playing on Saturday, giving them a chance to rest up for their guaranteed opponent in Binghamton on Thursday. However, should Binghamton lose on Saturday to SBU, a tie would result between the cellar-dwellers and, you guessed it, UMBC would come out on top. While both teams are tied in head to head match-ups, 1-1, UMBC owns a win over BU compared to the Bearcats' 0-2 clip that was solidified just last night.
For this reason, UMBC would move into the eighth spot, but would essentially gain nothing. They will still have to face Binghamton in the play-in game on Thursday, and because the game takes place in Hartford, home court advantage is a moot point. At this point, UMBC's strongest strategic advantages are their knowledge of both of their first two opponents in the tournament, Binghamton and UVM, and their extra day off while the remainder of the conference plays on Saturday.
*****
At this point, the Terriers find themselves locked into the second seed but are still waiting patiently with Maine for the outcome of Saturday's game between UNH and Hartford to decide the quarterfinals match-ups once and for all. As has been well-chronicled in past updates, either result has its ups and downs for BU. Regardless, the Terriers will be playing a team on a losing streak of two or more games, which plays into their favor.
Should BU draw UNH in the first round, they would be playing the team that handed them their most recent loss prior to a seven (or eight, depending on Saturday's outcome) game win streak. A game against Hartford in the quarterfinals would be another tough draw for the Terriers, as the Hawks beat BU in Hartford the last time they played there, and they stayed close in Boston as well until the end of the game.
The fact that Hartford will be playing with home court advantage in the quarter and semifinals may tip the scale towards the Wildcats as the team that gives the Terriers the best chance to win, but at this point, either game would be a battle, especially without Holland.
The Terriers find themselves on a tough 'half' of the bracket as each team that they could play en route to the final game of the tournament (Hartford, UNH, or Maine) has at least one win over them during the conference season. The three teams that BU swept in the conference season (SBU, Binghamton, and Albany) all find themselves on the other side of the bracket, along with UVM.
The ultimate result for BU is that the AE tournament will be a battle. Their possible opponents in the first two rounds of the tournament are not as favorable as other match-ups may have been, and if they get to the final game, there is a strong chance that they will have to take on UVM in Burlington. If their recent success has proven anything, though, it is that they have the talent and capability to win close games against tough opponents and have found some consistency on the road.
BU's performance at Vermont on Sunday will be an excellent test regarding how they will perform in a tough environment and under pressure in the AE tournament. Also, if Holland is out on Saturday, the game will allow a young team to prove their maturity in a harsh environment without their top scorer.
After nearly four months of men's college basketball, the 2010-2011 America East regular season is down to one final day of games. On Saturday, eight of the nine teams that make up AE will face off in a final push before the post season. Despite the fact that no two teams adjacent to one another in the AE rankings are more than two games apart, there are only a select few teams that can overcome other teams in the rankings before the season is over. So, without further ado, here is a look at each team heading into the final day of games in the regular season, and an update on the projected AE tournament.
Once again, a quick overview of the America East Tournament's set up:
Quarterfinals
No. 1 seed vs. winner of play-in game between No. 8 & No. 9 seeds
No. 2 seed vs. No. 7 seed
No. 3 seed vs. No. 6 seed
No. 4 seed vs. No. 5 seed
Semifinals
1/PIG winner vs. 4/5 winner
2/7 winner vs. 3/6 winner
Finals
The championship game will be held at the home court of the higher seed. The quarter and semifinals will be held at Chase Family Arena in West Hartford, Conn.
No. 1 University of Vermont
Conference Record: 13-2
Remaining Games: vs. BU
Seed and first-round opponent if season ended today: CLINCHED No. 1 vs. winner of play-in game between No. 8 Binghamton and No. 9 UMBC
Vermont will continue to enjoy the no. 1 seed that they clinched in Orono on February 16 heading into their final contest against Boston University on Saturday. While the game will not influence tournament seeding, Vermont will be looking to bounce back from their first loss since January 18 in the BracketBusters by taking on the second-best team in the conference in what could very well be a preview of the AE tournament championship game. Look for UVM to come out strong to try and build some momentum heading into their quarterfinal match-up against one of the cellar-dwellers, Binghamton or UMBC.
No. 2 Boston University
Conference Record: 11-4
Remaining Games: at Vermont
Seed and first-round opponent if season ended today: CLINCHED No. 2 vs. No. 7 Hartford
The good news for the Terriers: there is no more speculation as to whether they will be overtaken for the third seed by the University of Maine. The bad news: there is no more John Holland.
For the time being, that is.
Holland left Thursday's game with a sprained ankle late in the first half and there is no clear time table for his return. BU put the second seed out of reach of Maine with a 53-51 win over Binghamton University, finishing off the effort without their star senior. While most BU fans probably would have given up the second seed to have a healthy Holland heading into the post season, the Terriers will simply have to await an announcement on the injury and prepare for a tough match-up against Vermont in Burlington.
BU is guaranteed home court advantage in the AE championship game should they advance unless UVM advances to the final as well, in which case the game will be played in Burlington, just like last season. The Terriers' opponent in the first round of the AE tournament is still, as of now, the University of Hartford, but Hartford is one of the few teams that can swap places for a higher seed on Saturday. More on that later.
No. 3 University of Maine
Conference Record: 9-6
Remaining Conference Games: vs. Albany
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: CLINCHED No. 3 vs. No. 6 New Hampshire
Although the Black Bears will be unable to catch BU for the No. 2 seed, they can also rest easy knowing that they will not be bumped below third. Even though they play Albany on Saturday and a loss would even their records at 9-7, Albany still loses the tie-breaker. The first statistic used to break a tie is head to head record. If Albany wins on Saturday, that record will be knotted at 1-1 for both teams. From there, the seeding would be determined based on record against the top seeded team in the conference working its way down to the bottom in the case of more ties. Maine wins that tie-breaker by virtue of their 1-1 record against UVM compared to Albany's 0-2 clip, meaning that Maine is locked in at No. 3.
Maine's first opponent in the tournament would be UNH if the season ended today, but Saturday could shift seeding.
No. 4 University of Albany
Conference Record: 8-7
Remaining Conference Games: at Maine
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: CLINCHED No. 4 vs. No. 5 Stony Brook University
Albany finds itself with the potential for a tie with another team both if they win or if they lose in Orono on Saturday, but either way, they are locked in at no. 4. As explained above, a win over Maine gives them a 9-7 tie in conference play with the Black Bears, but they lose the tie breaker because of Maine's win over UVM. A loss and an SBU win, however, puts them in a tie with the Seawolves at 8-8. The Great Danes win that tie breaker, however, because of a season sweep of the Seawolves. Ironically, there is virtually no difference between the fourth and fifth seed in the AE tournament as all quarterfinal and semifinal rounds are played in Hartford, and no. 4 and no. 5 play each other in the first round.
No. 5 Stony Brook University
Conference Record: 7-8
Remaining Conference Games: vs. Binghamton
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: CLINCHED No. 5 vs. No. 4 Albany
Similar to Albany, SBU can wind up in a tie with the team above them with a win and some help on Saturday, or a tie with the the two teams below them with a loss and some help on Saturday.
Ultimately, those possibilities for ties don't mean a thing, as the Seawolves are locked into the No. 5 seed and will be playing Albany in the first round of the AE tournament. As detailed above, a tie with Albany results in a loss, and a tie with UNH or Hartford (both of which are possible, by the way) both would result in tie breaker wins for the Seawolves because of their season sweeps of the Wildcats and the Hawks. (This time of year, nail-biting-overtime wins like SBU's January 15 64-60 win over UNH and February 24 79-73 win over Hartford come in handy when it comes to breaking ties).
While the Seawolves dodge a bullet in not having to face BU or Maine until the final round and in drawing a close match-up against Albany, they still find themselves on the same side of the bracket as UVM, and may have to take on the Catamounts in the semifinals in Hartford (a job that may be easier than facing them in the championship game in Burlington).
No. 6 University of New Hampshire
Conference Record: 6-9
Remaining Conference Games: at Hartford
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: No. 6 vs. No. 3 Maine
No. 7 University of Hartford
Conference Record: 6-9
Remaining Conference Games: vs. UNH
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: No. 7 vs. No. 2 BU
The Universities of New Hampshire and Hartford provide one of two possibilities for seeding swaps heading into the final game of the season. The teams are tied with a 6-9 record and will be playing head to head on Saturday for, essentially, the right to play Maine over BU in the first round of the AE tournament. As it turns out, UNH and Hartford have performed admirably against Maine and BU in the regular season, posting a 4-4 combined record against the two teams, but it is likely that they will both be vying for the six seed as BU has been on a tear of late compared to the Black Bears' struggles recently (then again, if you take John Holland out of the equation, everything goes topsy-turvy).
This game may be more important for the Terriers and Terrier fans than BU's own match-up on Saturday as it decides the quarterfinals seeding once and for all. The good news for the Terriers: they are guaranteed a quarterfinals opponent playing with at least a two-game losing streak.
No. 8 Binghamton University
Conference Record: 4-11
Remaining Conference Games: at Stony Brook
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: No. 8 vs. No. 9 UMBC for play-in game
No. 9 University of Maryland-Baltimore County
Conference Record: 4-12
Remaining Conference Games: None
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: No. 9 vs. No. 8 Binghamton in play-in game
The other chance at seed swapping that could result from Saturday's games is between these two teams. UMBC is out of games and will be the only team not playing on Saturday, giving them a chance to rest up for their guaranteed opponent in Binghamton on Thursday. However, should Binghamton lose on Saturday to SBU, a tie would result between the cellar-dwellers and, you guessed it, UMBC would come out on top. While both teams are tied in head to head match-ups, 1-1, UMBC owns a win over BU compared to the Bearcats' 0-2 clip that was solidified just last night.
For this reason, UMBC would move into the eighth spot, but would essentially gain nothing. They will still have to face Binghamton in the play-in game on Thursday, and because the game takes place in Hartford, home court advantage is a moot point. At this point, UMBC's strongest strategic advantages are their knowledge of both of their first two opponents in the tournament, Binghamton and UVM, and their extra day off while the remainder of the conference plays on Saturday.
*****
At this point, the Terriers find themselves locked into the second seed but are still waiting patiently with Maine for the outcome of Saturday's game between UNH and Hartford to decide the quarterfinals match-ups once and for all. As has been well-chronicled in past updates, either result has its ups and downs for BU. Regardless, the Terriers will be playing a team on a losing streak of two or more games, which plays into their favor.
Should BU draw UNH in the first round, they would be playing the team that handed them their most recent loss prior to a seven (or eight, depending on Saturday's outcome) game win streak. A game against Hartford in the quarterfinals would be another tough draw for the Terriers, as the Hawks beat BU in Hartford the last time they played there, and they stayed close in Boston as well until the end of the game.
The fact that Hartford will be playing with home court advantage in the quarter and semifinals may tip the scale towards the Wildcats as the team that gives the Terriers the best chance to win, but at this point, either game would be a battle, especially without Holland.
The Terriers find themselves on a tough 'half' of the bracket as each team that they could play en route to the final game of the tournament (Hartford, UNH, or Maine) has at least one win over them during the conference season. The three teams that BU swept in the conference season (SBU, Binghamton, and Albany) all find themselves on the other side of the bracket, along with UVM.
The ultimate result for BU is that the AE tournament will be a battle. Their possible opponents in the first two rounds of the tournament are not as favorable as other match-ups may have been, and if they get to the final game, there is a strong chance that they will have to take on UVM in Burlington. If their recent success has proven anything, though, it is that they have the talent and capability to win close games against tough opponents and have found some consistency on the road.
BU's performance at Vermont on Sunday will be an excellent test regarding how they will perform in a tough environment and under pressure in the AE tournament. Also, if Holland is out on Saturday, the game will allow a young team to prove their maturity in a harsh environment without their top scorer.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
From the FreeP: BU carries six-game win streak into Binghamton
By Craig Meyer/DFP Staff
With just two regular season games remaining before the all-important America East Conference tournament, the Boston University men’s basketball team will travel to Vestal, N.Y. to take on Binghamton University on Thursday night.
The Terriers (16-13, 10-4) head into the late-season matchup riding a recent wave of momentum from a season-high six-game win streak. Meanwhile, the Bearcats (7-20, 4-10) have been in something of a nosedive for the greater part of the past month, having lost 10 of their past 11 games.
The teams last met on Jan. 26 in Agganis Arena, a game in which BU escaped with a 71-66 win, lifting the Terriers to within two games of the .500 plateau at 10-12.
In that victory, BU utilized a three-headed scoring attack comprised of junior guard Darryl Partin, senior forward John Holland and freshman forward/center Dom Morris that tallied 51 of the team’s 71 points.
With just two regular season games remaining before the all-important America East Conference tournament, the Boston University men’s basketball team will travel to Vestal, N.Y. to take on Binghamton University on Thursday night.
The Terriers (16-13, 10-4) head into the late-season matchup riding a recent wave of momentum from a season-high six-game win streak. Meanwhile, the Bearcats (7-20, 4-10) have been in something of a nosedive for the greater part of the past month, having lost 10 of their past 11 games.
The teams last met on Jan. 26 in Agganis Arena, a game in which BU escaped with a 71-66 win, lifting the Terriers to within two games of the .500 plateau at 10-12.
In that victory, BU utilized a three-headed scoring attack comprised of junior guard Darryl Partin, senior forward John Holland and freshman forward/center Dom Morris that tallied 51 of the team’s 71 points.
From the FreeP: Holland drafted in Puerto Rico
By Craig Meyer/DFP Staff
Boston University men’s basketball senior forward John Holland has been drafted by the Humacao Chiefs of Puerto Rico’s Baloncesto Superior Nacional League.
The Bronx, N.Y., native is averaging an America East Conference-leading 19.5 points to go along with 5.7 rebounds per game for the Terriers this season. Holland also became just the second player in BU history to record 2,000 career points in a Feb. 2 win over the University of Maine.
It is uncertain at this point whether Holland will choose to join the team or seek opportunities elsewhere following the conclusion of his collegiate career.
Holland was selected with the draft’s second pick after the Mayaguez Indians made Siena College guard/forward Edwin Ubiles the top overall pick.
Holland could certainly prove to be helpful to Humacao, a team that finished last season with a 10-19 record, putting it near the bottom of the league standings.
If Holland ultimately opted to play for Humacao, he would become the second BU player in the Puerto Rican professional ranks, joining former teammate Carlos Strong, who just finished up his first season with San German Athletics.
Boston University men’s basketball senior forward John Holland has been drafted by the Humacao Chiefs of Puerto Rico’s Baloncesto Superior Nacional League.
The Bronx, N.Y., native is averaging an America East Conference-leading 19.5 points to go along with 5.7 rebounds per game for the Terriers this season. Holland also became just the second player in BU history to record 2,000 career points in a Feb. 2 win over the University of Maine.
It is uncertain at this point whether Holland will choose to join the team or seek opportunities elsewhere following the conclusion of his collegiate career.
Holland was selected with the draft’s second pick after the Mayaguez Indians made Siena College guard/forward Edwin Ubiles the top overall pick.
Holland could certainly prove to be helpful to Humacao, a team that finished last season with a 10-19 record, putting it near the bottom of the league standings.
If Holland ultimately opted to play for Humacao, he would become the second BU player in the Puerto Rican professional ranks, joining former teammate Carlos Strong, who just finished up his first season with San German Athletics.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
From the FreeP: A tale of two very different BUs
By Shep Hayes/DFP Staff
This is a tale of two cities. As Charles Dickens wrote: “It was the best of times, it was worst of times . . .” Indeed, there is no better way to describe them.
One city has a college with the initials BU. This school is located in a bigger city, adored for its collegiate culture. This college has a men’s basketball team that has spent the past two years rising to the top of its conference. It has posted an excellent record, played with some of the best teams in the country, and could, just maybe, make their way into the NCAA tournament. It would take a little bit of luck, but anything is possible.
At a bare minimum, they will play in some postseason competition, even if it ends with just another trip to the College Basketball Invitational.
The other city also has a college with the initials BU. That’s all the schools share in similarities, however.
This school is located in a much smaller city, hardly loved. The men’s basketball team at this school has rapidly devolved into a perennial cellar-dweller. It is kind of amazing, though.
This is a tale of two cities. As Charles Dickens wrote: “It was the best of times, it was worst of times . . .” Indeed, there is no better way to describe them.
One city has a college with the initials BU. This school is located in a bigger city, adored for its collegiate culture. This college has a men’s basketball team that has spent the past two years rising to the top of its conference. It has posted an excellent record, played with some of the best teams in the country, and could, just maybe, make their way into the NCAA tournament. It would take a little bit of luck, but anything is possible.
At a bare minimum, they will play in some postseason competition, even if it ends with just another trip to the College Basketball Invitational.
The other city also has a college with the initials BU. That’s all the schools share in similarities, however.
This school is located in a much smaller city, hardly loved. The men’s basketball team at this school has rapidly devolved into a perennial cellar-dweller. It is kind of amazing, though.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
From the FreeP: Matchup important despite lack of impact on AE rankings
By Luke Coughlan/DFP Staff
When the Boston University men’s basketball team left Agganis Arena on Saturday following a 70-62 win over Canisius College, its status in the world of college basketball, for all intents and purposes, was exactly the same as it was a few hours earlier when it arrived at the Greek for warm -ups.
The Terriers’ final home game of the regular season was against a non-conference opponent at a point in the year when conference games are the only contests that have a tangible effect on BU’s postseason trajectory.
Even after the bout, BU still finds itself stamped with a 10-4 America East Conference record. It still sits squarely between University of Vermont and University of Maine in the conference standings, a position that likely will not change, and it still faces a route to the NCAA tournament that would require an AE championship.
The AE tournament is arranged entirely based on conference performance, and even in the case of a tie between two teams’ conference records at the end of the regular season, the deadlock is broken based on head-to-head records between those two teams. In other words, an AE team’s non-conference record is worth nothing when it comes to the postseason.
Considering the circumstances, the 40 minutes of tough basketball that the Terriers played against the Griffins this late in the season could be deemed a wasted effort. But BU coach Patrick Chambers didn’t look at it that way.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
When the Boston University men’s basketball team left Agganis Arena on Saturday following a 70-62 win over Canisius College, its status in the world of college basketball, for all intents and purposes, was exactly the same as it was a few hours earlier when it arrived at the Greek for warm -ups.
The Terriers’ final home game of the regular season was against a non-conference opponent at a point in the year when conference games are the only contests that have a tangible effect on BU’s postseason trajectory.
Even after the bout, BU still finds itself stamped with a 10-4 America East Conference record. It still sits squarely between University of Vermont and University of Maine in the conference standings, a position that likely will not change, and it still faces a route to the NCAA tournament that would require an AE championship.
The AE tournament is arranged entirely based on conference performance, and even in the case of a tie between two teams’ conference records at the end of the regular season, the deadlock is broken based on head-to-head records between those two teams. In other words, an AE team’s non-conference record is worth nothing when it comes to the postseason.
Considering the circumstances, the 40 minutes of tough basketball that the Terriers played against the Griffins this late in the season could be deemed a wasted effort. But BU coach Patrick Chambers didn’t look at it that way.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
From the FreeP: Terriers bust up Canisius
By René Reyes/DFP Staff
Second-year coach Patrick Chambers viewed Saturday’s matchup as a measuring stick.
He relished the opportunity for his Boston University men’s basketball team to take a breather from America East Conference play and compete in the Sears BracketBusters against an unfamiliar Metro Atlantic Athletic opponent. His squad responded with a gutsy 70-62 victory over Canisius College before a crowd of 875 at Agganis Arena.
“I really enjoyed this game,” Chambers said. “I really enjoyed preparing for it. They’re a very aggressive team. They’re an older team [with] five seniors. They’re a physical team and they’re a tough team. I wanted to see where we were. Are we as tough as them? Are we tougher than them?
“They beat us to a lot of 50-50 balls. I always tell you guys, ‘We’re going to tap at the stone. We’re going to tap at the stone.’ We’re just not there yet. Today, we’re not there yet. I knew going in this was going to be a battle. I knew it because of the way they play and the way they make you play.”
Senior forward John Holland poured in a game-high 28 points and grabbed a team-high six rebounds, while junior guard Darryl Partin added 20 points for BU (16-13), which has now strung together a season-high six straight wins.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
Second-year coach Patrick Chambers viewed Saturday’s matchup as a measuring stick.
He relished the opportunity for his Boston University men’s basketball team to take a breather from America East Conference play and compete in the Sears BracketBusters against an unfamiliar Metro Atlantic Athletic opponent. His squad responded with a gutsy 70-62 victory over Canisius College before a crowd of 875 at Agganis Arena.
“I really enjoyed this game,” Chambers said. “I really enjoyed preparing for it. They’re a very aggressive team. They’re an older team [with] five seniors. They’re a physical team and they’re a tough team. I wanted to see where we were. Are we as tough as them? Are we tougher than them?
“They beat us to a lot of 50-50 balls. I always tell you guys, ‘We’re going to tap at the stone. We’re going to tap at the stone.’ We’re just not there yet. Today, we’re not there yet. I knew going in this was going to be a battle. I knew it because of the way they play and the way they make you play.”
Senior forward John Holland poured in a game-high 28 points and grabbed a team-high six rebounds, while junior guard Darryl Partin added 20 points for BU (16-13), which has now strung together a season-high six straight wins.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Breaking down the AE tournament: Where BU stands as of 2/20
By Craig Meyer/DFP Staff
Even with just a week passing, a lot has changed with regards to jockeying for seeds for the fast-approaching America East Conference tournament. Much that happens with this new FCP feature was discussed in the first edition of it that appeared last week, but as a refresher course here's how the AE tournament is structured.
Quarterfinals
No. 1 seed vs. winner of play-in game between No. 8 & No. 9 seeds
No. 2 seed vs. No. 7 seed
No. 3 seed vs. No. 6 seed
No. 4 seed vs. No. 5 seed
Semifinals
1/PIG winner vs. 4/5 winner
2/7 winner vs. 3/6 winner
Finals
Semifinal winners square off at the home court of the higher seed. To clarify, the first couple rounds of the tournament will be held at Chase Family Arena in West Hartford, Conn.
No. 1 University of Vermont
Conference Record: 13-2
Remaining Conference Games: vs. BU
Seed and first-round opponent if season ended today: No. 1 vs. winner of play-in game between No. 8 Binghamton and No. 9 UMBC
No need for speculation or pondering here -- Vermont, with a 16-point win at home over the University of Maine, has clinched the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament, meaning if things play out as the seeds would intend, the road to the NCAA tournament will go through Patrick Gymnasium, a very imposing thought for any team in this league.
No. 2 Boston University
Conference Record: 10-4
Remaining Conference Games: at Binghamton, at Vermont
Seed and first-round opponent if season ended today: No. 2 vs. No. 7 Hartford
While not set in stone like Vermont's seed, BU's position -- at this late juncture -- appears to be pretty safe. If the Terriers win one of their remaining two games, they clinch the tournament's second seed. Additionally, if Maine loses one of its final two games, BU clinches that second seed. So for those of you doing the math at home, the only way that BU will not capture the No. 2 seed would be if it lost its final two games while Maine won both of its final two, which, given the way the Black Bears have played of recent, doesn't seem all too likely.
That said, BU still has two challenging road games remaining at two of the toughest, most daunting venues in the conference, so it's way too early for the Terriers to get complacent with their current position.
As a side note, a team source informed us yesterday that if BU were to host the tournament championship game, it would be located at Agganis Arena. There was some question as to where it would be held, since Case Gymasium is too small under the AE's requirements and many wondered if it could be at Agganis since there will likely be a Hockey East quarterfinal game there that night (causing some to wonder whether the game would be held at Walter Brown Arena). The hockey game, in that situation, would merely be pushed back to accomodate the 12 noon tip-off.
No. 3 University of Maine
Conference Record: 8-6
Remaining Conference Games: at UNH, vs. Albany
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: No. 3 vs. No. 6 Stony Brook
The Black Bears' recent tailspin has been fairly well-documented, having fallen from the perch of the conference standings down to third place after a series of puzzling losses. They have to win their final two games and have BU lose its final two to move up to the No. 2 seed. It looks like the team has a solid grip on the No. 3 seed, but if it loses its final two games, and Albany wins its final two, including a trip up to Maine, the Black Bears could see themselves fall to the No. 4 spot, though it remains an unlikely prospect.
No. 4 University of Albany
Conference Record: 7-7
Remaining Conference Games: vs. UMBC, at Maine
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: No. 4 vs. No. 5 UNH
For Albany, the objective is clear enough -- win out and you put yourself in a position to be in a tie-breaker with Maine, potentially allowing you to move up to the No. 3 seed. While the difference between a No. 2 and a No. 3 seed (like we're seeing with BU and Maine right now), the difference between a No. 3 and a No. 4 seed is far more pronounced, for Albany wouldn't have to face what will likely be Vermont in the semifinals if it can snag the No. 3 seed. Assuming coach Will Brown and the Great Danes can get a win against cellar-dwelling UMBC, the game against Maine becomes an all-important conclusion to what has been a pleasantly surprising season.
No. 5 University of New Hampshire
Conference Record: 6-8
Remaining Conference Games: vs. Maine, at Hartford
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: No. 5 vs. No. 4 Albany
No. 6 Stony Brook University
Conference Record: 6-8
Remaining Conference Games: at Hartford, vs. Binghamton
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: No. 6 vs. No. 3 Maine
No. 7 University of Hartford
Conference Record: 6-8
Remaining Conference Games: vs. Stony Brook, vs. UNH
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: No. 7 vs. No. 2 BU
Things start to get a little more confusing and convoluted with this cluster of three teams all tied with 6-8 conference records. Each sit in something of enviable positions right now. For UNH, it is the clubhouse leader right now to land the No. 5 seed. For Stony Brook, it has already beaten UNH twice this season and have a victory over Hartford in the teams' only matchup this season. For Hartford, it gets to play both of the teams that are ahead of them in the standings, and they get to do so at home.
There is some stability in this group in that it is unlikely either will be able to get as high as the No. 4 seed, but it is even more unlikely that they would slide into the play-in game. Things should get much clearer with this group after the mid-week games. Very important for BU fans to keep an eye on how things play out amongst these three teams -- who BU went a combined 5-1 against this year -- because the team that finishes in seventh will likely be BU's first round opponent.
No. 8 Binghamton University
Conference Record: 4-10
Remaining Conference Games: vs. BU, at Stony Brook
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: No. 8 vs. No. 9 UMBC for play-in game
Things become a lot clearer with these bottom two teams. Regardless if Binghamton finishes with the bottom seed, it will be literally no different than if they hold on to the No. 8 seed. There remains a very distant chance that it could get a better seed, but it would have to win out in two very tough games and have a lot bounce its way.
No. 9 University of Maryland-Baltimore County
Conference Record: 4-11
Remaining Conference Games: at Albany
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: No. 9 vs. No. 8 Binghamton in play-in game
Not too much to elaborate on here -- with a loss yesterday to Hartford, UMBC has clinched a spot in the play-in game, so even if its climbs to the No. 8 seed, it's nothing more than a small point of pride, with the same quarterfinal opponent awaiting them in the No. 1 Vermont Catamounts.
*****
As far as things relate to BU, barring anything too shocking, it is locked in at the No. 2 seed and will play one of the following three teams in the conference tournament quarterfinals -- UNH, Stony Brook or Hartford.
BU has gone 4-2 against thesese teams, with the losses being a 59-55 defeat on the road against Hartford and a humiliating 60-48 defeat on the road against UNH. For that latter reason alone, given the history, UNH may not be an ideal opponent for the surging Terriers.
Hartford wouldn't exactly be an easy game for this BU team either. Hartford, in addition to having two established stars in guard Joe Zeglinski and forward Morgan Sabia, will be playing the tournament's first two rounds at home and it has already beaten the Terriers there once this year.
Stony Brook, on the other hand, has struggled for much of the season with the graduation of Muhammad El-Amin and the knee injury that has sidelined forward Tommy Brenton for the entire season. Additionally, BU has beaten the Seawolves twice this season.
Again, a lot with regards to the quarterfinal opponent and BU's seed will be clearer come mid-week, so stay tuned for more updates and analysis.
Even with just a week passing, a lot has changed with regards to jockeying for seeds for the fast-approaching America East Conference tournament. Much that happens with this new FCP feature was discussed in the first edition of it that appeared last week, but as a refresher course here's how the AE tournament is structured.
Quarterfinals
No. 1 seed vs. winner of play-in game between No. 8 & No. 9 seeds
No. 2 seed vs. No. 7 seed
No. 3 seed vs. No. 6 seed
No. 4 seed vs. No. 5 seed
Semifinals
1/PIG winner vs. 4/5 winner
2/7 winner vs. 3/6 winner
Finals
Semifinal winners square off at the home court of the higher seed. To clarify, the first couple rounds of the tournament will be held at Chase Family Arena in West Hartford, Conn.
No. 1 University of Vermont
Conference Record: 13-2
Remaining Conference Games: vs. BU
Seed and first-round opponent if season ended today: No. 1 vs. winner of play-in game between No. 8 Binghamton and No. 9 UMBC
No need for speculation or pondering here -- Vermont, with a 16-point win at home over the University of Maine, has clinched the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament, meaning if things play out as the seeds would intend, the road to the NCAA tournament will go through Patrick Gymnasium, a very imposing thought for any team in this league.
No. 2 Boston University
Conference Record: 10-4
Remaining Conference Games: at Binghamton, at Vermont
Seed and first-round opponent if season ended today: No. 2 vs. No. 7 Hartford
While not set in stone like Vermont's seed, BU's position -- at this late juncture -- appears to be pretty safe. If the Terriers win one of their remaining two games, they clinch the tournament's second seed. Additionally, if Maine loses one of its final two games, BU clinches that second seed. So for those of you doing the math at home, the only way that BU will not capture the No. 2 seed would be if it lost its final two games while Maine won both of its final two, which, given the way the Black Bears have played of recent, doesn't seem all too likely.
That said, BU still has two challenging road games remaining at two of the toughest, most daunting venues in the conference, so it's way too early for the Terriers to get complacent with their current position.
As a side note, a team source informed us yesterday that if BU were to host the tournament championship game, it would be located at Agganis Arena. There was some question as to where it would be held, since Case Gymasium is too small under the AE's requirements and many wondered if it could be at Agganis since there will likely be a Hockey East quarterfinal game there that night (causing some to wonder whether the game would be held at Walter Brown Arena). The hockey game, in that situation, would merely be pushed back to accomodate the 12 noon tip-off.
No. 3 University of Maine
Conference Record: 8-6
Remaining Conference Games: at UNH, vs. Albany
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: No. 3 vs. No. 6 Stony Brook
The Black Bears' recent tailspin has been fairly well-documented, having fallen from the perch of the conference standings down to third place after a series of puzzling losses. They have to win their final two games and have BU lose its final two to move up to the No. 2 seed. It looks like the team has a solid grip on the No. 3 seed, but if it loses its final two games, and Albany wins its final two, including a trip up to Maine, the Black Bears could see themselves fall to the No. 4 spot, though it remains an unlikely prospect.
No. 4 University of Albany
Conference Record: 7-7
Remaining Conference Games: vs. UMBC, at Maine
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: No. 4 vs. No. 5 UNH
For Albany, the objective is clear enough -- win out and you put yourself in a position to be in a tie-breaker with Maine, potentially allowing you to move up to the No. 3 seed. While the difference between a No. 2 and a No. 3 seed (like we're seeing with BU and Maine right now), the difference between a No. 3 and a No. 4 seed is far more pronounced, for Albany wouldn't have to face what will likely be Vermont in the semifinals if it can snag the No. 3 seed. Assuming coach Will Brown and the Great Danes can get a win against cellar-dwelling UMBC, the game against Maine becomes an all-important conclusion to what has been a pleasantly surprising season.
No. 5 University of New Hampshire
Conference Record: 6-8
Remaining Conference Games: vs. Maine, at Hartford
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: No. 5 vs. No. 4 Albany
No. 6 Stony Brook University
Conference Record: 6-8
Remaining Conference Games: at Hartford, vs. Binghamton
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: No. 6 vs. No. 3 Maine
No. 7 University of Hartford
Conference Record: 6-8
Remaining Conference Games: vs. Stony Brook, vs. UNH
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: No. 7 vs. No. 2 BU
Things start to get a little more confusing and convoluted with this cluster of three teams all tied with 6-8 conference records. Each sit in something of enviable positions right now. For UNH, it is the clubhouse leader right now to land the No. 5 seed. For Stony Brook, it has already beaten UNH twice this season and have a victory over Hartford in the teams' only matchup this season. For Hartford, it gets to play both of the teams that are ahead of them in the standings, and they get to do so at home.
There is some stability in this group in that it is unlikely either will be able to get as high as the No. 4 seed, but it is even more unlikely that they would slide into the play-in game. Things should get much clearer with this group after the mid-week games. Very important for BU fans to keep an eye on how things play out amongst these three teams -- who BU went a combined 5-1 against this year -- because the team that finishes in seventh will likely be BU's first round opponent.
No. 8 Binghamton University
Conference Record: 4-10
Remaining Conference Games: vs. BU, at Stony Brook
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: No. 8 vs. No. 9 UMBC for play-in game
Things become a lot clearer with these bottom two teams. Regardless if Binghamton finishes with the bottom seed, it will be literally no different than if they hold on to the No. 8 seed. There remains a very distant chance that it could get a better seed, but it would have to win out in two very tough games and have a lot bounce its way.
No. 9 University of Maryland-Baltimore County
Conference Record: 4-11
Remaining Conference Games: at Albany
Seed and first-round opponent if the season ended today: No. 9 vs. No. 8 Binghamton in play-in game
Not too much to elaborate on here -- with a loss yesterday to Hartford, UMBC has clinched a spot in the play-in game, so even if its climbs to the No. 8 seed, it's nothing more than a small point of pride, with the same quarterfinal opponent awaiting them in the No. 1 Vermont Catamounts.
*****
As far as things relate to BU, barring anything too shocking, it is locked in at the No. 2 seed and will play one of the following three teams in the conference tournament quarterfinals -- UNH, Stony Brook or Hartford.
BU has gone 4-2 against thesese teams, with the losses being a 59-55 defeat on the road against Hartford and a humiliating 60-48 defeat on the road against UNH. For that latter reason alone, given the history, UNH may not be an ideal opponent for the surging Terriers.
Hartford wouldn't exactly be an easy game for this BU team either. Hartford, in addition to having two established stars in guard Joe Zeglinski and forward Morgan Sabia, will be playing the tournament's first two rounds at home and it has already beaten the Terriers there once this year.
Stony Brook, on the other hand, has struggled for much of the season with the graduation of Muhammad El-Amin and the knee injury that has sidelined forward Tommy Brenton for the entire season. Additionally, BU has beaten the Seawolves twice this season.
Again, a lot with regards to the quarterfinal opponent and BU's seed will be clearer come mid-week, so stay tuned for more updates and analysis.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Grading the Terriers: 2/19 vs. Canisius
By Craig Meyer/DFP Staff
Offense: B+
At least part of what has highlighted the Terriers' recent six-game win streak has been an offensive explosion, one in which the team regularly lights up the scoreboard with well over 70 points. Freshman forward Dom Morris recorded the team's first basket with a 3-pointer just eight seconds into the game, but for much of the rest of the first half, the Terriers were fairly anemic on the offensive end, scoring 29 points on 38.5 percent shooting.
But the second half was a different tale, as BU displayed the fast-paced, dynamic game that has made it so successful for the greater part of the past month. Senior forward John Holland, who only had five points in the first half, exploded for 23 in the second half en route to a game-high 28. BU scored 41 in the second period, boosted by an even 50 percent shooting performance as a team from the field.
Offense: B+
At least part of what has highlighted the Terriers' recent six-game win streak has been an offensive explosion, one in which the team regularly lights up the scoreboard with well over 70 points. Freshman forward Dom Morris recorded the team's first basket with a 3-pointer just eight seconds into the game, but for much of the rest of the first half, the Terriers were fairly anemic on the offensive end, scoring 29 points on 38.5 percent shooting.
But the second half was a different tale, as BU displayed the fast-paced, dynamic game that has made it so successful for the greater part of the past month. Senior forward John Holland, who only had five points in the first half, exploded for 23 in the second half en route to a game-high 28. BU scored 41 in the second period, boosted by an even 50 percent shooting performance as a team from the field.
BracketBusters –– BU vs. Canisius Live Blog
Starting lineups:
Canisius College Golden Griffins
F Greg Logins
F Elton Frazier
G Alshwan Hymes
G Gaby Belardo
G Julius Coles
Boston University Terriers
F Dom Morris
F Patrick Hazel
G John Holland
G Darryl Partin
G D.J. Irving
Final score: BU 70, Canisius 62
Team leaders:
Points
Canisius: Elton Frazier, 16
BU: John Holland, 28
Rebounds
Canisius: Elton Frazier, 8
BU: John Holland, 6
Assists
Canisius: Gaby Belardo, 4
BU: Matt Griffin, 5
Thursday, February 17, 2011
From the FreeP: Toughness key for BU down stretch
By Jack Flagler/DFP Staff
University of Maryland-Baltimore County coach Randy Monroe apparently has a short memory.
Monroe called Boston University “the best in the conference” after BU embarrassed UMBC 85-53 Tuesday night.
Apparently Monroe forgot about his team’s two losses to University of Vermont. To be fair, they may all blend together for a UMBC team that has lost 22 games this season.
The Catamounts beat UMBC twice by a combined margin of 50 points. UVM has been on a tear over the last month that, with a win over University of Maine on Wednesday night, has won them the regular season America East championship.
University of Maryland-Baltimore County coach Randy Monroe apparently has a short memory.
Monroe called Boston University “the best in the conference” after BU embarrassed UMBC 85-53 Tuesday night.
Apparently Monroe forgot about his team’s two losses to University of Vermont. To be fair, they may all blend together for a UMBC team that has lost 22 games this season.
The Catamounts beat UMBC twice by a combined margin of 50 points. UVM has been on a tear over the last month that, with a win over University of Maine on Wednesday night, has won them the regular season America East championship.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
From the FreeP: Partin, Holland scoring duo one of AE’s best
By René Reyes/DFP Staff
For Boston University men’s basketball coach Patrick Chambers, it sure is a luxury having two of the America East’s top 10 scorers in senior forward John Holland and junior guard Darryl Partin.
University of Maryland-Baltimore County coach Randy Monroe went as far as saying that the tandem of Holland and Partin is the best duo in the nine-team conference.
“They weren’t only effective tonight,” Monroe said. “They’re effective every night. That’s a very good one-two punch. That’s probably the best one-two punch in our league, Partin and Holland.
“They both can play on the wing. They’re both strong enough where they can get in and post up. They have a lot of intangibles. They’re hard matchups. I just see those guys being effective as they finish up their season going into the conference tournament.”
For Boston University men’s basketball coach Patrick Chambers, it sure is a luxury having two of the America East’s top 10 scorers in senior forward John Holland and junior guard Darryl Partin.
University of Maryland-Baltimore County coach Randy Monroe went as far as saying that the tandem of Holland and Partin is the best duo in the nine-team conference.
“They weren’t only effective tonight,” Monroe said. “They’re effective every night. That’s a very good one-two punch. That’s probably the best one-two punch in our league, Partin and Holland.
“They both can play on the wing. They’re both strong enough where they can get in and post up. They have a lot of intangibles. They’re hard matchups. I just see those guys being effective as they finish up their season going into the conference tournament.”
From the FreeP: Retrievers heeled
By Craig Meyer/DFP Staff
Looking to extend a season-high four-game win streak and keep hope alive for a possible regular-season conference title, the Boston University men’s basketball team routed the University of Maryland-Baltimore County 85-53 on Tuesday at Agganis Arena.
Utilizing a one-two scoring punch of senior forward John Holland and junior guard Darryl Partin that UMBC coach Randy Monroe called “the best in the conference,” the Terriers (15-13, 10-4 America East) recorded their second-highest point total of the season to dispatch the Retrievers (5-22, 4-10 AE).
Holland led the scoring for BU with 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting to go along with nine rebounds, while Partin added 23 points. As a whole, the team – ranked 320th in Division I in field goal percentage entering the game – shot an even 50 percent from the field.
“It was important for these guys to get better today, that was the goal, and to prove to each other they can play hard for more than 30 minutes,” said BU coach Patrick Chambers.
Looking to extend a season-high four-game win streak and keep hope alive for a possible regular-season conference title, the Boston University men’s basketball team routed the University of Maryland-Baltimore County 85-53 on Tuesday at Agganis Arena.
Utilizing a one-two scoring punch of senior forward John Holland and junior guard Darryl Partin that UMBC coach Randy Monroe called “the best in the conference,” the Terriers (15-13, 10-4 America East) recorded their second-highest point total of the season to dispatch the Retrievers (5-22, 4-10 AE).
Holland led the scoring for BU with 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting to go along with nine rebounds, while Partin added 23 points. As a whole, the team – ranked 320th in Division I in field goal percentage entering the game – shot an even 50 percent from the field.
“It was important for these guys to get better today, that was the goal, and to prove to each other they can play hard for more than 30 minutes,” said BU coach Patrick Chambers.
Breaking down the AE Tournament: Where BU stands as of 2/16
By Luke Coughlan/DFP Staff
It is no secret that the only route for an America East Conference men's basketball team to take if it hopes to find itself playing in the NCAA Tournament come March is to win the AE Conference championship.
It has been nearly nine years since the Boston University men's basketball team last put on its dancing shoes in 2002 when it defeated the University of Maine, 66-40, in the AE Championship game. Since then, its postseasons have been riddled with difficult losses, including last season's heartbreaker at the University of Vermont, 83-70, in the AE Championship game.
With just two conference games remaining on their schedule and riding a season-high five-game win streak, the Terriers are poised to enter the postseason with some serious momentum. However, as recent history has confirmed, anything can happen come tournament time in the AE.
It is no secret that the only route for an America East Conference men's basketball team to take if it hopes to find itself playing in the NCAA Tournament come March is to win the AE Conference championship.
It has been nearly nine years since the Boston University men's basketball team last put on its dancing shoes in 2002 when it defeated the University of Maine, 66-40, in the AE Championship game. Since then, its postseasons have been riddled with difficult losses, including last season's heartbreaker at the University of Vermont, 83-70, in the AE Championship game.
With just two conference games remaining on their schedule and riding a season-high five-game win streak, the Terriers are poised to enter the postseason with some serious momentum. However, as recent history has confirmed, anything can happen come tournament time in the AE.
Grading the Terriers: 2/15 vs. UMBC
By Luke Coughlan/DFP Staff
Offense: A-
Any night when senior forward John Holland and junior forward Patrick Hazel combine for four slam dunks and the Terriers record a 40-14 advantage on points in the paint is a good offensive night for the Terriers. BU downright dominated UMBC in the low post all night long.
Senior forward John Holland led the Terriers with 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting including an 8-of-10 mark from inside the 3-point arc, and junior guard Darryl Partin was not far behind with 23 points on 9-of-17 shooting.
Most importantly, the Terriers' shot selection was superb. BU continued to find the wide open shot, and much of the time, they didn't even leave their shots up to chance, nailing a plethora of point blank shots and drawing fouls. Many of those shots were the results of the Terriers' 17 assists, including six from freshman guard DJ Irving.
Offense: A-
Any night when senior forward John Holland and junior forward Patrick Hazel combine for four slam dunks and the Terriers record a 40-14 advantage on points in the paint is a good offensive night for the Terriers. BU downright dominated UMBC in the low post all night long.
Senior forward John Holland led the Terriers with 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting including an 8-of-10 mark from inside the 3-point arc, and junior guard Darryl Partin was not far behind with 23 points on 9-of-17 shooting.
Most importantly, the Terriers' shot selection was superb. BU continued to find the wide open shot, and much of the time, they didn't even leave their shots up to chance, nailing a plethora of point blank shots and drawing fouls. Many of those shots were the results of the Terriers' 17 assists, including six from freshman guard DJ Irving.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
BU vs. UMBC Live Blog
Starting lineups:
University of Maryland-Baltimore County Retrievers
F Adrian Satchell
C Justin Fry
F Bakari Smith
G Chris De La Rosa
G Brian Neller
Boston University Terriers
F Dom Morris
F Patrick Hazel
G John Holland
G Darryl Partin
G D.J. Irving
Final score: BU 85, UMBC 53
Team leaders:
Points
UMBC: Chris De La Rosa, 11
BU: John Holland, 24
Rebounds
UMBC: Jamar Wertz, 5
BU: Patrick Hazel, 12
Assists
UMBC: Chris De La Rosa, 3
BU: D.J. Irving, 6
From the FreeP: Terriers look to keep rolling over UMBC
By Craig Meyer/DFP Staff
Now in sole possession of second place in the America East Conference standings, the Boston University men’s basketball team will look to continue its four-game win streak as it takes on University of Maryland-Baltimore County Tuesday night.
After a rough stretch in which the team lost three of five games – all in conference play – to drop their overall record to 10-13, the Terriers (14-13, 9-4 AE) enter the game over the .500 plateau for the first time since Nov. 29, when they were 4-3.
Perhaps the hottest team in the conference right now, the Terriers will look to extend their win streak against a UMBC team that, after a disastrous 1-16 start to the season, has been playing relatively well recently, going 4-5 in its past nine contests.
Additionally, there is a measure of revenge for BU against the Retrievers (5-21, 4-9), who got just their second win of the season against the Terriers at home on Jan. 17.
Now in sole possession of second place in the America East Conference standings, the Boston University men’s basketball team will look to continue its four-game win streak as it takes on University of Maryland-Baltimore County Tuesday night.
After a rough stretch in which the team lost three of five games – all in conference play – to drop their overall record to 10-13, the Terriers (14-13, 9-4 AE) enter the game over the .500 plateau for the first time since Nov. 29, when they were 4-3.
Perhaps the hottest team in the conference right now, the Terriers will look to extend their win streak against a UMBC team that, after a disastrous 1-16 start to the season, has been playing relatively well recently, going 4-5 in its past nine contests.
Additionally, there is a measure of revenge for BU against the Retrievers (5-21, 4-9), who got just their second win of the season against the Terriers at home on Jan. 17.
Monday, February 14, 2011
From the FreeP: Holland dominates at MSG, on Senior Day
By Luke Coughlan/DFP Staff
NEW YORK – John Holland isn’t a big fan of touching moments.
Yet despite a weekend filled with the distractions of playing his first game at Madison Square Garden in front of his hometown fans and his last regular-season game at Case Gymnasium, the senior forward was still able to put together two of his best all-around performances of the year on Thursday and Saturday to lift the Boston University men’s basketball team to a season-best four-game win streak.
Holland was the unparalleled star of the “Big Apple Battle” at MSG on Thursday against the University at Albany, pouring in a game-high 25 points on 8-of-14 shooting from the field despite playing just 29 minutes due to two quick fouls that he drew in the first half.
In the buildup to the America East Conference’s first game at MSG, the fact that it would be a homecoming of sorts for Holland, the team’s only senior, was frequently cited as a main reason for BU’s participation. Despite the emotion that must have come with such an event, Holland was a portrait of poise on the Garden floor.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
NEW YORK – John Holland isn’t a big fan of touching moments.
Yet despite a weekend filled with the distractions of playing his first game at Madison Square Garden in front of his hometown fans and his last regular-season game at Case Gymnasium, the senior forward was still able to put together two of his best all-around performances of the year on Thursday and Saturday to lift the Boston University men’s basketball team to a season-best four-game win streak.
Holland was the unparalleled star of the “Big Apple Battle” at MSG on Thursday against the University at Albany, pouring in a game-high 25 points on 8-of-14 shooting from the field despite playing just 29 minutes due to two quick fouls that he drew in the first half.
In the buildup to the America East Conference’s first game at MSG, the fact that it would be a homecoming of sorts for Holland, the team’s only senior, was frequently cited as a main reason for BU’s participation. Despite the emotion that must have come with such an event, Holland was a portrait of poise on the Garden floor.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
From the FreeP: Empire state of mind
By René Reyes/DFP Staff
NEW YORK – Under the bright lights of New York City, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James are usually the ones who take Madison Square Garden by storm.
On Thursday, in his first game at The Garden, Boston University men’s basketball senior forward and Bronx, N.Y., native John Holland put on a show of his own at “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” dropping 25 points on 8-of-14 shooting as BU blew open a tightly contested matchup in the second half of a 63-44 victory over the University at Albany.
“I thought our team played really well,” said BU coach Patrick Chambers. “We defended really well. Albany’s a great team. Obviously, they missed some shots tonight. We played hard, got in foul trouble, had a great attitude, kept playing BU basketball, which was great. This was a great experience for our program, for our team and it’s something they’ll never forget.”
“It was a great experience,” Holland said. “I’m happy we won. That’s the most important thing. Hopefully, we’re starting to put it all together and make this run. It’s all coming down to the stretch, and hopefully, it all comes together.”
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
NEW YORK – Under the bright lights of New York City, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James are usually the ones who take Madison Square Garden by storm.
On Thursday, in his first game at The Garden, Boston University men’s basketball senior forward and Bronx, N.Y., native John Holland put on a show of his own at “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” dropping 25 points on 8-of-14 shooting as BU blew open a tightly contested matchup in the second half of a 63-44 victory over the University at Albany.
“I thought our team played really well,” said BU coach Patrick Chambers. “We defended really well. Albany’s a great team. Obviously, they missed some shots tonight. We played hard, got in foul trouble, had a great attitude, kept playing BU basketball, which was great. This was a great experience for our program, for our team and it’s something they’ll never forget.”
“It was a great experience,” Holland said. “I’m happy we won. That’s the most important thing. Hopefully, we’re starting to put it all together and make this run. It’s all coming down to the stretch, and hopefully, it all comes together.”
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
BU vs. Hartford Live Blog
Starting lineups:
University of Hartford Hawks
F Morgan Sabia
F Anthony Minor
F Milton Burton
G Joe Zeglinski
G Clayton Brothers
Boston University Terriers
F Dom Morris
F John Holland
F Patrick Hazel
G Darryl Partin
G D.J. Irving
Final score: BU 61, Hartford 50
Team leaders:
Points
Hartford: Morgan Sabia, 14
BU: Darryl Partin, 25
Rebounds
Hartford: Morgan Sabia, 5
BU: Dom Morris and Pat Hazel, 8
Assists
Hartford: Anthony Minor, 4
BU: D.J. Irving, 4
Friday, February 11, 2011
Grading the Terriers: 2/10 vs. Albany @ MSG
By Luke Coughlan
Offense: A-
One of Boston University men's basketball coach Patrick Chamber's favorite lines following a positive offensive night for his basketball team is: “when you make shots, this game is easy.” Well, the Terriers have found their groove on the offensive end in the past few games, and truth be told, the fact that their shots were falling from all over the court made their victory over the Great Danes on Thursday look like a walk in the park.
Offense: A-
One of Boston University men's basketball coach Patrick Chamber's favorite lines following a positive offensive night for his basketball team is: “when you make shots, this game is easy.” Well, the Terriers have found their groove on the offensive end in the past few games, and truth be told, the fact that their shots were falling from all over the court made their victory over the Great Danes on Thursday look like a walk in the park.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
BU vs. Albany Live Blog @ MSG
Starting lineups:
University at Albany Great Danes
F Luke Devlin
F Tim Ambrose
F John Puk
G Logan Aronhalt
G Mike Black
Boston University Terriers
F Dom Morris
F John Holland
F Patrick Hazel
G Darryl Partin
G D.J. Irving
Final score: BU 63, Albany 44
Team leaders:
Points
Albany: Tim Ambrose, 12
BU: John Holland, 24
Rebounds
Albany: Logan Aronhalt, 6
BU: Patrick Hazel, 7
Assists
Albany: Mike Black, 3
BU: D.J. Irving, 4
From the FreeP: MSG game a long time in the making for BU
By René Reyes and Luke Coughlan/DFP Staff
Patrick Nero had a vision when he became America East Commissioner in 2005. He wanted to expand the conference’s fan base by showcasing its basketball programs in an effort to land future recruits.
Nero’s vision will come to fruition Thursday night, when Madison Square Garden plays host to its first-ever America East game, a matchup between the Boston University men’s basketball team and the University at Albany.
The BU-Albany game, slated for a 9:30 p.m. tip-off, will be the second part of a doubleheader at “The World’s Most Famous Arena” in New York City, following the conclusion of a 7 p.m. contest starring Big East Conference foes St. John’s University and the University of Connecticut.
The “Big Apple Battle,” as the event has been named, will feature the Terriers (12-13, 7-4 AE), who have a brief but exciting history at Madison Square Garden, and the Great Danes (12-14, 5-6 AE), who will be making their first appearance at MSG.
The Terriers are 1-2 at The Garden. Their win came from a thrilling NCAA tournament first-round victory over UConn, and their two losses have come by a total of six points to St. John’s and St. Joseph’s University in the 2006 St. John’s Aeropostale Holiday Classic.
“We have to do fun things like this that make it a great opportunity for fans to participate and for the type of student-athletes that we want to recruit,” Nero said. “Playing a game like this means so much. It impacts so much about how we want to grow our basketball.
“We have over a million alumni in the America East, and many of them are within a two- to three-hour drive of New York City. This makes a lot of sense for our fans and for our student-athletes.”
Patrick Nero had a vision when he became America East Commissioner in 2005. He wanted to expand the conference’s fan base by showcasing its basketball programs in an effort to land future recruits.
Nero’s vision will come to fruition Thursday night, when Madison Square Garden plays host to its first-ever America East game, a matchup between the Boston University men’s basketball team and the University at Albany.
The BU-Albany game, slated for a 9:30 p.m. tip-off, will be the second part of a doubleheader at “The World’s Most Famous Arena” in New York City, following the conclusion of a 7 p.m. contest starring Big East Conference foes St. John’s University and the University of Connecticut.
The “Big Apple Battle,” as the event has been named, will feature the Terriers (12-13, 7-4 AE), who have a brief but exciting history at Madison Square Garden, and the Great Danes (12-14, 5-6 AE), who will be making their first appearance at MSG.
The Terriers are 1-2 at The Garden. Their win came from a thrilling NCAA tournament first-round victory over UConn, and their two losses have come by a total of six points to St. John’s and St. Joseph’s University in the 2006 St. John’s Aeropostale Holiday Classic.
“We have to do fun things like this that make it a great opportunity for fans to participate and for the type of student-athletes that we want to recruit,” Nero said. “Playing a game like this means so much. It impacts so much about how we want to grow our basketball.
“We have over a million alumni in the America East, and many of them are within a two- to three-hour drive of New York City. This makes a lot of sense for our fans and for our student-athletes.”
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
From the FreeP: Chambers strives to build program at BU
By Craig Meyer/DFP Staff
Beneath all of the bright lights and fanfare commonly associated with college basketball and March Madness is something far less flashy and far more substantive.
It is hour after hour, breaking down every meticulous detail for every single opponent on a schedule that spans the greater part of five months. It is day after day in the gym, working relentlessly to perfect a team as much as possible. It is week after week traversing the country, trying to convince 17-year-olds and their families why your program, more than any other in the country, is right for them.
Indeed, the life of a college basketball head coach is one engulfed by a tireless, unglamorous pursuit of excellence that may never come to fruition by season’s end.
There is pressure on these coaches and for many of them, it is more than enough work to stick to preparing, coaching and recruiting for the betterment of their program.
But for a coach like Patrick Chambers at Boston University, such duties are simply insufficient.
For Chambers, the changes he has tried to implement for the Terrier program have extended far beyond the baselines at Case Gymnasium, far beyond the training and execution that define the success of his teams.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
Beneath all of the bright lights and fanfare commonly associated with college basketball and March Madness is something far less flashy and far more substantive.
It is hour after hour, breaking down every meticulous detail for every single opponent on a schedule that spans the greater part of five months. It is day after day in the gym, working relentlessly to perfect a team as much as possible. It is week after week traversing the country, trying to convince 17-year-olds and their families why your program, more than any other in the country, is right for them.
Indeed, the life of a college basketball head coach is one engulfed by a tireless, unglamorous pursuit of excellence that may never come to fruition by season’s end.
There is pressure on these coaches and for many of them, it is more than enough work to stick to preparing, coaching and recruiting for the betterment of their program.
But for a coach like Patrick Chambers at Boston University, such duties are simply insufficient.
For Chambers, the changes he has tried to implement for the Terrier program have extended far beyond the baselines at Case Gymnasium, far beyond the training and execution that define the success of his teams.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
Monday, February 7, 2011
From the FreeP: BU picks up first decisive road win at Stony Brook
By Luke Coughlan/DFP Staff
There was one aspect about the Boston University men’s basketball team’s 62-49 win over Stony Brook University that made it different from every other game that the Terriers have played so far this season.
It isn’t the fact that the Terriers (12-13, 7-4 America East) fended off a vicious comeback attempt by the Seawolves (9-13, 4-6 AE) that cut the lead to five with 5:29 remaining.
It isn’t the fact that they shot a pretty 44.9 percent from the field when they average 39.4 percent on the year.
It isn’t even the fact that they crushed their opponents in the battle of the boards, 39-29.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
There was one aspect about the Boston University men’s basketball team’s 62-49 win over Stony Brook University that made it different from every other game that the Terriers have played so far this season.
It isn’t the fact that the Terriers (12-13, 7-4 America East) fended off a vicious comeback attempt by the Seawolves (9-13, 4-6 AE) that cut the lead to five with 5:29 remaining.
It isn’t the fact that they shot a pretty 44.9 percent from the field when they average 39.4 percent on the year.
It isn’t even the fact that they crushed their opponents in the battle of the boards, 39-29.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
Thursday, February 3, 2011
From the FreeP: Irving, Griffin quietly step up backcourt production
By René Reyes/DFP Staff
It’s not easy living in senior forward John Holland’s shadow. Just ask the two most diminutive players on the Boston University men’s basketball team’s roster.
Overshadowed by Holland becoming only the second Terrier in program history to eclipse 2,000 career points in BU’s statement win over the conference-leading University of Maine on Tuesday was the guard play of freshman D.J. Irving and junior transfer Matt Griffin.
The backcourt pair combined for 27 points on 9-of-12 shooting, including a scorching 7-of-8 mark from 3-point range, in the Terriers’ 88-78 victory against the Black Bears.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
It’s not easy living in senior forward John Holland’s shadow. Just ask the two most diminutive players on the Boston University men’s basketball team’s roster.
Overshadowed by Holland becoming only the second Terrier in program history to eclipse 2,000 career points in BU’s statement win over the conference-leading University of Maine on Tuesday was the guard play of freshman D.J. Irving and junior transfer Matt Griffin.
The backcourt pair combined for 27 points on 9-of-12 shooting, including a scorching 7-of-8 mark from 3-point range, in the Terriers’ 88-78 victory against the Black Bears.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
From the FreeP: Fasten your seatbelts
By Luke Coughlan/DFP Staff
Just minutes after the Boston University men’s basketball team put the finishing touches on a pristine 88-78 victory over the America East conference-leading University of Maine on Tuesday night, junior guard Matt Griffin said that “[the team’s] season so far has been a rollercoaster.”
If the first 10 games of conference play serve as a model, this is the part of the ride where the Terriers (11-13, 6-4 AE) come rolling on down the other side of that hill, hands in the air and screaming the whole way. That’s right, BU is going back on the road.
When the Terriers travel to Stony Brook University for a 7 p.m. tilt on Friday night, not only will they be trying to straighten out the rollercoaster track before them by maintaining the high level of play that they displayed on Tuesday, they will be looking to do so by earning just their second conference road win in six tries.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
Just minutes after the Boston University men’s basketball team put the finishing touches on a pristine 88-78 victory over the America East conference-leading University of Maine on Tuesday night, junior guard Matt Griffin said that “[the team’s] season so far has been a rollercoaster.”
If the first 10 games of conference play serve as a model, this is the part of the ride where the Terriers (11-13, 6-4 AE) come rolling on down the other side of that hill, hands in the air and screaming the whole way. That’s right, BU is going back on the road.
When the Terriers travel to Stony Brook University for a 7 p.m. tilt on Friday night, not only will they be trying to straighten out the rollercoaster track before them by maintaining the high level of play that they displayed on Tuesday, they will be looking to do so by earning just their second conference road win in six tries.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
From the FreeP: Holland reaches milestone in second half
By Craig Meyer/DFP Staff
Enough was at stake for the Boston University men’s basketball team heading into its game against the University of Maine on Tuesday night at Agganis Arena.
They were at home, playing the conference-leading Black Bears, a team that had already dismantled them a mere month ago. There were also questions surrounding the season-ending injury to junior forward Jake O’Brien and how his absence would affect the Terriers going forward. Did they have any hope left to capture an elusive conference title without the preseason all-conference selection?
But in a mere instant, all of that changed, doubts laid to rest and questions cast aside for another day. For even in a sport like college basketball, where the sum of the parts far outstrips an individual cog, there are moments when greatness on the part of a lone player can trump all.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
Enough was at stake for the Boston University men’s basketball team heading into its game against the University of Maine on Tuesday night at Agganis Arena.
They were at home, playing the conference-leading Black Bears, a team that had already dismantled them a mere month ago. There were also questions surrounding the season-ending injury to junior forward Jake O’Brien and how his absence would affect the Terriers going forward. Did they have any hope left to capture an elusive conference title without the preseason all-conference selection?
But in a mere instant, all of that changed, doubts laid to rest and questions cast aside for another day. For even in a sport like college basketball, where the sum of the parts far outstrips an individual cog, there are moments when greatness on the part of a lone player can trump all.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
From the FreeP: 2,001: Holland’s odyssey
By Luke Coughlan/DFP Staff
After the Boston University men’s basketball team scored a season-low 48 points in a 60-48 loss to the University of New Hampshire on Saturday, it was safe to say that they would need to bounce back in a big way to win their next game against conference-leading University of Maine.
Few could have predicted just how big that bounce would be, however, as the Terriers looked completely different on Tuesday from the team that was chased out of Lundholm Gymnasium just three days earlier.
BU (11-13, 6-4 America East) defeated the Black Bears (14-8, 8-2 AE), 88-78, before a crowd of 669 at Agganis Arena to keep their conference record over .500 and become just the second team in America East to beat Maine this year.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
After the Boston University men’s basketball team scored a season-low 48 points in a 60-48 loss to the University of New Hampshire on Saturday, it was safe to say that they would need to bounce back in a big way to win their next game against conference-leading University of Maine.
Few could have predicted just how big that bounce would be, however, as the Terriers looked completely different on Tuesday from the team that was chased out of Lundholm Gymnasium just three days earlier.
BU (11-13, 6-4 America East) defeated the Black Bears (14-8, 8-2 AE), 88-78, before a crowd of 669 at Agganis Arena to keep their conference record over .500 and become just the second team in America East to beat Maine this year.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
Grading the Terriers: 2/1 vs. Maine
By René Reyes/DFP Staff
Freshman forward Dom Morris: B+
In his seventh game back after having surgery for a non-related basketball injury, Morris played a big role in BU’s 88-78 win over the conference-leading University of Maine. His contributions on Tuesday night showed that he is finally starting to get his legs underneath him again, a sign that he could very well in fact become BU’s most vital player (not named John Holland or Darryl Partin) down the stretch and heading into the America East Conference Tournament. The big man posted 12 points – one of five Terriers in double-digits – on 5-of-9 shooting, but went 0-of-2 from 3-point range in 35 minutes.
Freshman forward Dom Morris: B+
In his seventh game back after having surgery for a non-related basketball injury, Morris played a big role in BU’s 88-78 win over the conference-leading University of Maine. His contributions on Tuesday night showed that he is finally starting to get his legs underneath him again, a sign that he could very well in fact become BU’s most vital player (not named John Holland or Darryl Partin) down the stretch and heading into the America East Conference Tournament. The big man posted 12 points – one of five Terriers in double-digits – on 5-of-9 shooting, but went 0-of-2 from 3-point range in 35 minutes.
BU-Maine Press Conferences
BU's press conference is below. Maine's press conference is after the jump.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
BU vs. Maine Live Blog
Starting lineups:
University of Maine Black Bears
F Troy Barnies
F Sean McNally
F Murphy Burnatowski
C Raheem Singleton
G Gerald McLemore
Boston University Terriers
F Dom Morris
F John Holland
F Patrick Hazel
G Darryl Partin
G D.J. Irving
Final score: BU 88, Maine 78
Team leaders:
Points
Maine: Troy Barnies, 26
BU: John Holland, 24
Rebounds
Maine: Troy Barnies, 10
BU: John Holland, 12
Assists
Maine: Gerald McLemore, 3
BU: John Holland and Darryl Partin, 4
O'Brien speaks to media about season-ending injury
By Luke Coughlan/DFP Staff
In his first live interview since it was reported that he will have season-ending surgery and have to sit out the remainder of the 2010-2011 campaign, Boston University men's basketball junior forward Jake O'Brien fielded questions on Tuesday afternoon at Agganis Arena.
O'Brien suffered a navicular bone fracture in his left foot during a game at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst on Dec. 31, and BU coach Patrick Chambers announced that he would miss the rest of the season on Monday.
In the interview, O'Brien related his thoughts on the injury and the month-long span before he knew that he would not be able to return in his junior season. He also explained the surgery that he will undergo and his hopes to continue to improve physically for his senior season. He reiterated his need to stay positive and to help his teammates stay upbeat in the wake of the news that has added to an already injury-plagued season.
In his first live interview since it was reported that he will have season-ending surgery and have to sit out the remainder of the 2010-2011 campaign, Boston University men's basketball junior forward Jake O'Brien fielded questions on Tuesday afternoon at Agganis Arena.
O'Brien suffered a navicular bone fracture in his left foot during a game at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst on Dec. 31, and BU coach Patrick Chambers announced that he would miss the rest of the season on Monday.
In the interview, O'Brien related his thoughts on the injury and the month-long span before he knew that he would not be able to return in his junior season. He also explained the surgery that he will undergo and his hopes to continue to improve physically for his senior season. He reiterated his need to stay positive and to help his teammates stay upbeat in the wake of the news that has added to an already injury-plagued season.
UPDATED From the FreeP: O'Brien done for season
By Craig Meyer and René Reyes/DFP Staff
Boston University men’s basketball junior forward Jake O’Brien, one of the Terriers’ tri-captains and their second leading scorer, will miss the remainder of the 2010-11 season with a foot injury, BU coach Patrick Chambers announced on Monday.
“It was very difficult to hear I wouldn’t be able to play the rest of the season,” O’Brien said in a Facebook message. “I enjoy going out and competing with my teammates on a daily basis. However, things happen and this was the card I was dealt, and I’m confident in our team and the guys have to step up in my absence.”
The former Boston College High School standout and preseason America East all-conference selection fractured the navicular bone in his left foot during a Dec. 31 game at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
O’Brien will undergo season-ending surgery next week and will be in a cast for eight weeks following the medical procedure. Then he’ll begin his rehab, with an eye toward returning for the start of the 2011-12 campaign.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
Boston University men’s basketball junior forward Jake O’Brien, one of the Terriers’ tri-captains and their second leading scorer, will miss the remainder of the 2010-11 season with a foot injury, BU coach Patrick Chambers announced on Monday.
“It was very difficult to hear I wouldn’t be able to play the rest of the season,” O’Brien said in a Facebook message. “I enjoy going out and competing with my teammates on a daily basis. However, things happen and this was the card I was dealt, and I’m confident in our team and the guys have to step up in my absence.”
The former Boston College High School standout and preseason America East all-conference selection fractured the navicular bone in his left foot during a Dec. 31 game at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
O’Brien will undergo season-ending surgery next week and will be in a cast for eight weeks following the medical procedure. Then he’ll begin his rehab, with an eye toward returning for the start of the 2011-12 campaign.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
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